Autism & Autistic Spectrum Disorders

" Autism from another pespective. "

No one can truly specify the definite causes of ‘autism’. Studies have confirmed that there are many factors involved. One key factor that appears to determine the symptom picture is genetic predisposition, or variations in certain genes which lead to production of abnormal proteins. These abnormal proteins affect different physiologic functions, such as the effectiveness of digestive enzymes in gastrointestinal system, or detoxification enzymes in the liver. These variations in function can lead to suboptimal or malfunction of the process within the organ, leading to symptoms.

The environment, diet and lifestyle can further affect function by depleting certain vitamins and minerals which are necessary for normal physiologic function, leading to additional unwanted disruption of metabolism and additional clinical manifestations.

Part of the treatment program within functional medicine is to identify under-functioning genes, and apply changes, particularly to the environmental, diet and lifestyle factors which will enhance gene expression to its best level, as well as counter any metabolic issues that arise from the gene expression, thus reducing the symptom picture as much as is possible.

Success Story : Autistic Spectrum

Patient

Male Thai 14 years old.

Symptoms

Social interaction problems with a strong aversion to socialising with others. When meeting in a crowd he would avoid eye-contact, would seek sudden escape especially if being touched, and would will push people away immediately. The patient was very afraid of the sound of birds and would have to hold the parents’ hands tightly. He was continuously on medication.

Conventional treatment

Focused on medication to calm down the symptoms and help sleep. He enrolled in courses for Special Needs child periodically.

Functional Medicine Analysis and Diagnosis

On investigation, the following imbalances in the body were found through blood, urine and stool tests.

The ability to remove waste inside the body was under-functioning. The production of organic acids as a function of the liver enzyme is higher than normal.

Antioxidant protection was lower than optimal. As a result the amount of damaged DNA found in the blood test was much higher than acceptable.

Neurotransmitter,s in particular Dopamine. was low. This affects emotional control and the arrangement of thoughts.

Digestion of food was poor with a large amount of incompletely digested food left in the stool. Food intolerance testing found antibodies to proteins from shrimp, crabs, eggs, milk and soy milk.

The 4R Balancing Program

Focused the diet on taking healthy food, vegetables and fruits. The treatment program focused on adding antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

A strict diet change was implemented to avoid further challenges to the body from processed foods including food coloring, food preservatives, and heavy metals. Foods with allergenic proteins were removed from the diet.

The patient received treatments in the Hyperbaric Chamber; with 1.5 atomosphere pressure, with 100% oxygen density for 5 days per week to re-establish oxygen perfusion to all parts of the brain.

Specific nutrients were replaced to accelerate the self-repair process. Nutrients that act as methyl donors which are essential for detoxification, amino acids for neurotransmitter production and polyunsaturated fats to reduce inflammation.

Treatment Result

After 3 months significant behavioural improvement was evident. The patient became more comfortable with the sound of birds, and when he heard or saw birds he would avoid them himself. Behavoiour was calmer at school, with an improved ability to socialize and is more generous with others. There was a marked improvement in the ability to follow the teachers’ instructions and involvement with the surrounding environment.